The Plateau Chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (NAN), has advised Mr Victor Lapang, the new Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, to develop grassroots sports in the state.
Thaddeus Yelmen and Agabus Pwanagba, the chairman and secretary of the association respectively in the state, gave this advice in a congratulatory message to Lapang on Tuesday in Jos.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Gov. Simon Lalong of Plateau, on Monday inaugurated Lapang and 22 others as commissioners to serve as members of his cabinet.
NAN also reports that Lapang had served in the same capacity during the first tenure of Lalong.
SWAN said Lapang’s return to the sports ministry should be a new dawn for sports development in the state, calling on him to put his wealth of experience into good use.
It added that developing grassroots sports would go a long way in addressing the menace of youth restiveness and other social vices in the society.
“The state chapter of SWAN wishes to congratulate Mr Victor Lapang on his appointment as Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development.
“Your appointment as Commissioner for Youth and Sports, and your second coming is expected to usher in dynamism, resourcefulness and focused leadership.
“SWAN believes that Plateau deserves more than what it is getting from sports in view of the abundant natural talents in practically every field.
“So we advise that you give priority to grassroots sports because it will address youth restiveness and other social vices ,” the statement said.
The association called on the commissioner to also develop other sports and not just concentrate on developing football alone.
It advised the commissioner to work hard and convince government to improve the allocation of the ministry, adding that sports has the potential of growing the economy of the state.
“We are ready to support you to push for an increase in the allocation that comes to the ministry, by engaging relevant government agencies both at the executive and legislative arms.
“We are ready to work with any progressive idea you bring to the table in addition to performing our responsibilities as watchdog of the sports sector, through constructive engagements,” it stated.
